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MSP accused of inciting sectarianism over pro-Rangers tweet

Friday, 16th August 2019

A Conservative MSP has been accused of inciting sectarianism after he posted a controversial tweet referring to Glasgow Rangers and teams in green kits.

Adam Tomkins, MSP for Glasgow and a law professor at the University of Glasgow, recently celebrated Rangers’ 6-1 victory over Hibernian with a tweet stating: ‘Great to be back at Ibrox today. Always good to see a team wearing green thumped 6-1.’

However, his tweet was met with fury as both Rangers and Celtic fans accused him of ‘fanning the flames of sectarianism’ and suggested that the term ‘team wearing green’ refers to clubs with an Irish Catholic heritage, such as Celtic and Hibs.

One wrote: ‘You know very well the green teams have a mostly Irish Catholic heritage. I’m a Rangers fan, you’re gaslighting sectarianism. Take your bigotry back to where you came from. Scotland doesn’t want it. Disgusting. Resign.’

Another added: ‘Everything I hate about Scotland, in one tweet. You represent the cancer of this great nation.’

However, others were quick to defend Mr Tomkins, saying his tweet was nothing more than football rivalry and banter and to imply otherwise is ‘nonsense’.

One wrote: I’m no fan of @ProfTomkins in the slightest but surely friendly football rivalry is allowed. I’m a Gers fan and can’t stand Celtic BUT only because they are our greatest rivals, nothing to do with religion or anything. Just football!! I respect the players and their managers.’